1989 Honda Prelude vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1989 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 197 kg more than 1989 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Honda Prelude. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Prelude | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
